FEATURE BRUNEI
Adventure options include mountain biking, rafting, sport fishing, wreck and reef diving and jungle hikes
the fact that, unlike elsewhere in the
region, it offers visitors the chance to be immersed in pristine jungle within two hours of leaving the international airport. Even the journey from the capital city
to the national park – involving a boat ride through crocodile-inhabited mangrove swamps, and a brief crossing of the South China Sea – is an eye-opening experience. There is, however, an important caveat
that will be important for some clients. Brunei is a ‘dry’ country, meaning it’s
not legally possible to purchase alcohol when you’re there. This will undoubtedly be a turn-off for some, although it’s worth stressing that international visitors are permitted to bring in and consume their own drink – customs allows two bottles of wine or spirits per person.
What’s New Royal Brunei Airlines began a new four-times-weekly service from Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) to Melbourne at the end of March, meaning the sultanate will garner fresh attention as a possible stopover destination. Its international airport, meanwhile, will unveil a new mall later this year.
May 2010 saw the inauguration of the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam in BSB – the property was formerly run by Sheraton. Of note to transit passengers, the 155-room Times Hotel opened close to the airport in late 2010, while this year will see the re-opening of the boutique Brunei Hotel. Luxury-lovers, meanwhile, should know
that the Empire Hotel & Country Club is undergoing extensive refurbishments following its 10th anniversary celebrations – the hotel was voted Best Golf Resort 2010 by Asian Golf Monthly. Darussalam Holdings, a local tour operator, has introduced a three-night package for tourists wishing to explore Brunei’s Islamic heritage.
Tourism Talk SALINAH SALLEH tourism officer Brunei Tourism “Our long-haul markets, of
which the UK is the largest and most important, were up by 17.5% year on year in 2010, and from our early statistics we’re hoping for a 20% increase in 2011. “The country’s a great place for anyone looking for a new exotic destination –
BRUNEI Top Selling Tips...
• Visitors to Bandar Seri Begawan can join daily boat tours along the river to spot proboscis monkey
• The food is a delicious mixture of Malay, Arab, Indian and Chinese influences
• For an indulgent experience, take high tea at the Empire Hotel & Country Club
• Head to Gadong to enjoy shopping malls and food stalls
• Come to the country at the end of Ramadan for a unique chance to visit the Sultan of Brunei’s palace
• Visit the Royal Regalia Museum to see a dazzling array of opulent treasures
• Take a guided tour of the Kampong Ayer water villages to get an insight into day-to-day life
• Try sticky ambuyat, the most ‘Bruneian’ local dish
• Brunei’s location also makes it a gateway to Malaysian Borneo
there’s culture, heritage and nature. "We’re working together with a number
of villages and communities to promote our homestay programmes. Visitors can choose to stay with native communities in fishing villages, rice farming areas or the fringes of the rainforest. "Something else we want to raise
awareness of is the diving. There’s very little fishing in Brunei waters, meaning many of the sites are in pristine condition. A number of certified professional diving outfits are now offering tours to tourists, who have been raving about the reefs. “On a more general note, a major tourism study and strategic plan looking at the future of tourism development in Brunei is due to be completed by the end of May. ”
From The Front Line JONATHAN DITTE product manager, Jetset “We don’t get that many calls for Brunei, in all
honesty, but I think for those people who do request it the appeal lies in the fact that it’s a wealthy destination that’s safe and well-run but still has a wild side. We’ve sent several clients on wilderness tours.”
DAVID CARLAW head of faraway product, Premier Holidays “We feature Brunei as a
side trip, and I think the big draw is the opportunity to stay at the Empire
www.sellinglonghaul.com • April 2011 49
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